Abstract: Backups and restore operations of database are customized by performing partial backups and restores. The database maintains information describing database objects that are backed up by subsequent backup operations. The data set that is backed up by backup operations can be modified by executing alter backup commands. An alter backup command identifies one or more database objects and specifies whether the database object should be excluded or included from backup operations. The alter backup command can specify database objects that do not exist in the database. These objects are included or excluded in accordance with the alter backup command whenever they are created in the database. The alter backup command can associate a criteria with a database object in order for the database object to be included or excluded in accordance with the alter backup command.